Next train departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | Reading | Cardiff Central | Cheapest | ||||
| Train | Reading | Cardiff Central | Fastest | ||||
| Train | Reading | Cardiff Central | No tags | ||||
| Train | Reading | Cardiff Central | No tags | ||||
| Train | Reading | Cardiff Central | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 11:55 AM GMT.
Compare 3 ways to travel from Reading to Cardiff
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 2 hours 10 minutes and with fares starting at just R 401, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Companies
Based on 42 reviews, the company was rated 4 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the staff and the seats but often complained about the Wi-Fi. Great Western Railway ticket prices on this trip start at R 592
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Reading to Cardiff by train
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.
How much is the train ticket from Reading to Cardiff?
The cheapest train tickets from Reading to Cardiff start from R 592. The average price for this train route is around R 1 461. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Reading to Cardiff?
The average train journey time from Reading to Cardiff is 1h 26m, covering a distance of 153 km. The quickest train can get you there in 1h 22m and is operated by Great Western Railway.
Which train operators serve the Reading to Cardiff route?
Several major train operators run on this route, with 11 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Reading to Cardiff?
The earliest train from Reading to Cardiff departs at 07:01. And the latest train departs at 23:27.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Reading to Cardiff was searched and found on 30 Jan 2026 with a price of R 565To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Reading to Cardiff as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 565 to R 4 100 for a train ticket from Reading to Cardiff based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 565, which is on 2026-01-30.
